It’s called Zicam, 
it’s this nasal gel (it comes in a few kinds actually– spray, gel, cotton bud applicator) that you pump up your nostrils– not all the way up or you’d be snorting the gel and it’s not how that’s supposed to work. It said on the box that it reduces the severity of the cold.
I was so pleased with the results that I decided to stock up on this. I might as well buy a few to bring home to Manila since I get sick with colds so often. Then I googled Zicam and found this from Wikipedia:
“In September 2003, Zicam faced lawsuits from users who claimed that the product negatively affected their sense of smell, and sometimes taste. In January 2006, 340 lawsuits were settled for $12 million. In early 2004, at the height of the controversy, Matrixx Initiatives, Inc., the maker of Zicam, claimed that only a small number of people had experienced problems and that anosmia (loss of smell) can, amongst others, also be caused by the common cold itself. Matrixx also claimed that zinc gluconate dissolves into zinc ions and gluconate, and that both are naturally occurring compounds which are found in all human tissues. They also claim that Zicam is a buffered gel which is formulated to have a neutral pH. The plaintiffs countered Matrixx, claiming that many of the patients had experienced a strong and very painful burning sensation when they used the product, indicating damage to the nasal tissue. No part of the settlement targeted the product’s removal from sale, and the nasal gel continues to be available at drug stores throughout the USA. The two creators of Zicam have come under scrutiny. Robert Steven Davidson received his PhD from an unaccredited university which has since closed while Charles B. Hensley has been cited by the US Food and Drug Administration for selling unapproved drugs over the internet.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers zinc gluconate to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice, although this does not constitute a finding by the FDA that the substance is a useful dietary supplement.“
Eeeyikes!!! Ok, now I’m scared. But my use of Zicam for my colds greatly alleviated my nasal congestion. In other words, it worked. I didn’t feel any burning sensation or complete loss of smell– I mean, I can still smell pretty stinky stuff *hehehe gross*. Oh well, as they say, “Come what may.” I’m all for temporary loss of discomfort. DH should know this the most since he reprimands me for not finishing my antibiotics series. I actually hate taking medicines, so I always end up cutting the meds intake short at the very onset of my feeling better. That’s just me. I’m very stubborn that way 😉
Ok anyway, my original intention for this post is to publish my fittingroom photos *muwahaha*. This is what happens when you don’t have a whole lotta cash to burn on clothes (because you squandered them all by getting bags)– you try on these expensive clothes, take photos, and give back clothes to the SAs after having tried them on, with memories of you having worn them *muwahahaha unethical!!!*
I tried all these dresses on at Neiman Marcus’ Last Call Clearance Center. While these clothes were casually lumped together with all other clothes, they were still not cheap. I think it’s deceiving to call the place “Clearance Center” since clearance = dirt cheap, rock bottom prices that the masses like me can afford. Who the heck were they kidding?? I don’t call a US$1,000 dress “clearance price” hehehe but that’s just me 😀
Gucci floral dress (from a year ago): 
US$850 (from $2k) Size 40. I couldn’t breathe when I wore this dress… Tsk 🙁
Requiem : 
US$1,500 (from US$3k)… Too prom- dressy. But then again aren’t these dresses coming back? Confession *gulp*: This is a size 8 and it fit me comfortably… I see a pattern here… why don’t size 4s fit me anymore…. 🙁
Monique Lhuillier: 
US$1,500 (from US$3k)… Ok I looked every inch a lampshade in this dress. I normally love Monique’s gowns, but this has to be something that only a real skinny biatch can wear. This dress was a size 6 and I could BARELY zip myself into it. Ok, that only means that I have officially developed a wide girth *SOB… it’s all those noodles and rice and steak and fries that I’ve been eating…*
Yves Saint Laurent: 
US$830 (from US$2k) Size 40. Daaaammmn… If I wear this dress, I might as well be a statue because I won’t be able to move– if I did, I’d end up tearing the seams of the skirt part of the dress! Why on earth are some women so skinny? 🙁 *Self- centered biatch remark in 3..2..1: “And why the heck am I not one of those women?!?!”* (Beside me is a Giorgio Armani dress, size 6, which would NOT fit me. SOB)
Marchesa:
US$400 (from US$1,800). Now this dress fit me. Size 6. It’s from the “cheaper” line of Marchesa. Bah– I look pregnant here haha. Too bad, this was probably the only frock that I could “somehow” afford.
Valentino: 
US$1,500 (from US$2.9k+). Another “prom dress” but designed by Valentino himself, before he turned over the design reins to former Gucci designer Alessandra Facchinetti. This was a size 6– I could fit into this dress *I was in tears when I was able to zip up the dress without problems hahaha*– in fact, I couldn’t fill out the boob area hahaha. I think you need breast implants to fill out the top part of the dress. Alas, mine deflated the day I decided I was going to breastfeed my kids *muwahaha*. My kids better appreciate that hahaha. Daaamn ok I hope no guys out there are reading this blog *muwahaha*.
Sigh, I realized one thing after having tried on all those past-season designer frocks at the *ahem* discount center. Designer clothes are not meant for me– unless I become a serious yogini and get that drop dead body to fit into these still-expensivo clothes. Oh and also, unless by some odd twist of fate, I win the million dollar lottery in California and get to afford them and at full price. It was real nice to have tried on these expensive designer clothes though, even if they were, as serious fashion pundits would call it, “sooo last season”. I don’t really care if they’re last season, my bottom line always is, if it fits, I like it well enough, and if it’s something I can afford (without asking DB to extend me a line of credit hahaha), then it’s a go! 😀 I may be called a fashion victim because of it, but know what, at least I’m not ashamed to admit that I would scour racks of discount designer clothes at these so-called clearance centers 😉 Hell-ooo, it’s an adventure to bag a good find!! Oh, and it’s also called “being practical without really sacrificing quality” (in other words, “pa-sosyal” hahahaha.. tsk.. So déclassé :D).
1. Goyard prices on websites? Barneys no longer has Goyard bags and prices on their website but you can call them to ask 🙂 I do know that in San Francisco, here are the prices, tax inclusive:
St Louis GM US$1,156 (Php 53,176)
Fidji Hobo US$1,357 (Php 62,422)
St Louis PM US$1,020 (Php 46,920)
2. CVS: you’re right, “hatred” was never mentioned– sorry for having inferred that. I guess safer to use the word “disappointment” 😉 Hope your bag handles get fixed soon.
3. Anonymous: You’re right about the Bottega, although Goyard has had the Boeing design longer– they just made it into the handbag size recently 😉 So who followed who?
4. Shoutout to my Goyard go-to- guy, RO, who bid Goyard farewell this month to move onto “greener” pastures. Keep in touch, R! 🙂
x
Mrs.T
Hey Mrs T!
I love the valentino dress it so suit you!! Buy it!! It’s a classic design (at least for me)!!
You look great as always!!
Miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs
MPR
The L’huiller dress looks nice!
how sad RO left na.
Hi!
Just in case you’re not part of the mailing list for the Gilt Groupe since they have some interesting bags there from time to time. They currently have Botkier on sale. I have to say thanks for blogging since it’s my favorite lunch time “go to” site. I get to live vicariously through your blog. I yet have to gather the guts and actually buy an LV for myself. THanks for bringing the good weather to SF! MD
thanks for the prices of goyard! really love your site! very interesting and entertaining! i checked it daily but get disappointed whenever there’s no new write-ups from you! more power!
hi miss baghag! just wanted to ask where i could have my bag chemically treated to avoid dirt getting into the fabric? i recently bought a trocca and the sales lady suggested i should do it. was thinking of doing the same for my year old her bag but don’t know where i could go here in manila/makati since i’ve just relocated a few months back.
thanks and looking forward for your reply.
skitz
whoa! good thing i bought my croisiere in july when the price was still Php85K 🙂
WOW! the lhuillier dress looks tres chic on you! it complements your figure and perfectly silhouettes your body
why didnt u reveal ur face,you look hawt,you shud flaunt it babe